The Nashville Predators hope the return of a familiar face to their lineup is enough to help them cool off Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Looking to win nine straight games at home for the first time in more than 13 years Thursday night, the Penguins face a Predators club that could have forward Alexander Radulov back in uniform following almost four seasons away from the team.

Pittsburgh (45-21-6) is 12-0-1 since a 6-2 loss at Buffalo on Feb. 19, and has become even more potent with Crosby back in the mix.

That might not bode well for Nashville (42-23-8), which has dropped three of four overall but should get a boost if Radulov takes the ice.

The 15th overall draft pick in 2004, Radulov recorded 49 goals and 54 assists in 155 games - including playoffs - for the Predators from 2006-08. However, he left after his second season with one year remaining on his entry-level contract to play in Russia for Salavat Yulayev Ufa. Nashville suspended him indefinitely for the move, but kept him under contract as he won two MVP awards in the KHL.

With Radulov's Russian season finished and contract expired, the Predators lifted his suspension Wednesday.

"Alex, did you make your mind?"

"Yes, boss, I will tell the coaches."

"OK, here is our plan. First, we gonna confuse the opposing team by dressing up in our gold uniforms. Then...

...then, we're gonna bring in the kid...This kid "

_______________________Injured players

Nashville: P Gaustad
Pittsburgh: B Johnson

Hockey is a team sport and we need the whole team to win. Let's Go Preds!

Weber and Suter (+2) were the only defenseman with a positive rating against Edmonton and played 45% of the game. Outside of the Legwand line, the rest of the team all finished with a negative rating...

IMO, it's the guys behind Weber and Suter that need to step up. This is where Josi's injury is really hurting us right now...